Celebrate Black History Month in the Nation’s Capital

Celebrate Black History Month in the Nation’s Capital

Fifty-three years after the March on Washington and the delivery of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the nation looks back on the history of the Civil Rights movement and honors the story and culture of African Americans.  Washington, DC is a riveting setting in which to remember past atrocities in solemnity, celebrate progress made and dream of a future in which true equality will flourish.  The city will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events and special exhibitions this year - see the list below for ideas about how you can reflect, honor and celebrate this month.  

Through the African American Lens

National Museum of American History

Ongoing

On display at the National Museum of American History (NMAH) since May, 2015, “Through the African American Lens” is a preview of the full, permanent collection that will be on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), slated to open this year.  The exhibition provides a peek into the lives of African American individuals and families from the turn of the 20th century to now.  The exhibit is on display in the NMAAHC gallery in the east wing of the second floor at the NMAH.

Frederick Douglass’ Birthday

Multiple Event Sites

Friday February 12 - Saturday February 13

Celebrate the 198th birthday of an American abolitionist, writer and social reformer.  The National Park Service will partner with the Anacostia Community Museum, the Anacostia Playhouse, the Anacostia Arts Center and the Anacostia Neighborhood Library to host two days of educational and festive goings on, all events free to the public.  Tours of the Frederick Douglass House National Historic Site will be held from noon to 4 pm on Saturday and a full list of events can be found on the NPS event website.  

27th Annual Black Film Festival

MLK Jr Memorial Library

Tuesdays February 2, 9, 23

Join the DC Public Library system in celebrating Black History Month with a line up of feature length films focused on African American history and culture.  This year’s films include Straight Outta Compton, Chi-Raq and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution playing on February 2, 9 and 23, respectively.  Screenings will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library beginning at 6 pm.  See the library event page for more info.

Honorary Wreath Layings and Slave Life Tours

George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate

February 1 - 29

Throughout the month of February, daily Slave Life Tours will allow visitors to step back in time and into the shoes of the slaves who were forced to live and work at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate.  The tours are one hour and include an honorary wreath laying ceremony at the slave memorial.  Visit the Mt. Vernon home page for more information and to plan your visit.

African American Civil War Museum

Open Tuesday - Sunday

The African American Civil War Museum is dedicated to honoring the lives of the African American soldiers who served during the Civil War and to educating the public about a unique and turbulent period of American History.  Step into the shoes of a Civil War soldier by attending “School of the Soldier” on Sundays from 2 to 3 pm - the program teaches guests about the soldiers’ training, uniforms and more.  

1966: Civil Rights at 50

The Newseum

Exhibit on display until January, 2017

“1966: Civil Rights at 50” is part of a rotating series at The Newseum focused on the Civil Rights movement and the American news media of the 1960s.  The exhibit depicts the major Civil Rights developments of 1966 and tells the story of the rise of the Black Power movement through the lens of photography and the print media of the time.  The exhibit also includes documentation of James Meredith’s “March Against Fear” as well as the race riots that spread across the South during that year.